Heated Waterer and hanging feeder.

[redbuffalo]

I live in upstate NY and am completely the finishing touches on our coop. I am planning on hanging the feeder. Whats the best type of feeder to buy and where? I was also planning on putting the waterer up on cinder blocks with the heating element underneath. Any suggestion to best type/brand?

 

[citrusdreams]

Whatever feeder you get, make sure it doesn't have a level lid on top or the chickens will stand/roost on it, and get poop in their feed. Mine is aluminum, but you can get plastic ones too. You can get them at your local co-op or TSC or other feed store that sells supplies.

As to the waterer, I don't use a heater, I just have two waterers. When it's below freezing I make sure I have one inside or empty, so that I can fill it with water and switch it out for the one with frozen water. I don't like keeping it in the henhouse because no matter what I did, they got the bedding wet and it smelled really really really bad. So I keep their water on a block in the pen instead of in the coop.

 

[espressola]

I have a galvanized 40# hanging feeder in my coop and a 5 gal galvanized waterer. I haven't tried heating the water yet in my coop (it's a new one) but that is the right kind of waterer to heat. My waterer is about 8 inches off the litter to minimize the mess.

You can't put Apple Cider Vinegar or Vitamins (probably electrolytes either) so I am thinking of getting one of the big plastic waterers to do those things out in the run. I keep water in my run in a feed dish for my llamas, it's easy to clean and refill. I'll probably continue with that one in case some of the chickens don't care for whatever I add to the plastic one... When it's really hot I fill a tub just a few inches with cold water in it to stand in and add it to the run. I also plan to add a range feeder once I totally predator-proof the run so I don't have to worry about attracting vermin.

I bought all of my feeders/waterers at local feed stores, but do compare, they do vary in quality and price. Shipping usually negates any savings on ordering online with these larger items, for me...

Patty N. ;-)

 

[ecocheapomom]

I am using a galvanized hanging feeder with a cover that prevents roosting. It is working out well. I live in NH so I definitely need a good winter option for water. My neighbors use a galvanized waterer and then have a heater that they set it on, but I found a plastic waterer with a built in thermostat that, when plugged into an extension cord, will kick on the heater just enough to keep the water from freezing. It was much cheaper than purchasing both the metal feeder and heater. The only problem I am having is the spillage from the waterer - both while I try to get the full one onto the hook and from the chickens. It is getting the shavings wet right underneath. If there is a solution to that I'd love to know.